Misdemeanor DUI charges have
been filed against an off-duty Chicago police officer accused of firing several
shots at an off-duty south suburban officer who tried to pull him over,
authorities said.
The Chicago officer was driving
with another off-duty officer in Merrionette Park around 4:30 p.m. Sunday when
a police officer from the suburb, who also was off-duty, tried to pull them
over, sources said. The Chicago officer took off and the Merrionette Park
officer pursued him, the sources said.
The pursuit ended in the 1900
block of West Pryor Avenue, a block north of the Morgan Park District station
where the Chicago officer works, sources said.
The Chicago officer got out of
his car and went after the Merrionette Park officer, firing several shots, the
sources said. The Chicago officer was
arrested by Chicago police nearby, sources said.
A statement from Police News
Affairs acknowledged that "there are reports the officer discharged a
weapon and that is currently under investigation.”
“If the allegations are true, the actions and
behavior demonstrated by this officer are beyond unacceptable, have absolutely
no place in our department, and he will be separated from CPD,” the statement
said.
The Chicago officer has been
stripped of his police powers while the incident is being investigated,
according to the statement.
Merrionette Park police were
not available for comment.
